Cookery NC II is the TESDA qualification for working as a cook in hotels, restaurants, resorts and cruise ships. It teaches you to prepare hot and cold meals, sauces, soups and desserts to a professional standard — and it is one of the most requested certificates for kitchen jobs.
- Level
- NC II
- Sector
- Tourism & Hospitality
- Training
- About 366 hours
- Assessment fee
- ₱1,907
- Free online course
- Yes
What is Cookery NC II?
Cookery NC II covers the work of a cook or commis in a commercial kitchen: keeping the kitchen clean and safe, preparing ingredients, and cooking a full range of dishes from appetizers to desserts using standard recipes.
It is a practical qualification: in the assessment you cook and present dishes in front of an assessor, not just answer questions.
What you will learn
The core units of competency in the Cookery NC II Training Regulation are:
- Clean and maintain kitchen premises
- Prepare stocks, sauces and soups
- Prepare appetizers
- Prepare salads and salad dressings
- Prepare sandwiches
- Prepare meat dishes
- Prepare vegetable, egg and starch (farinaceous) dishes
- Prepare poultry and game dishes
- Prepare seafood dishes
- Prepare desserts
On top of these, every TESDA qualification includes basic competencies (workplace communication, teamwork, professionalism, occupational health and safety) and common competencies for the sector.
The TESDA Women’s Center runs its Cookery NC II program in about 366 nominal hours (46 days). Other providers may schedule it differently.
Learn Cookery NC II online for free
The TESDA Online Program has free online courses for Cookery NC II. Tick each one as you finish it — your progress is saved on this device:
- Fundamentals of Professional Cookery
- Preparing Stocks, Sauces, and Soup
- Preparing Egg, Vegetable and Farinaceous Dishes
- Preparing Seafood Dishes
- Preparing Poultry and Game Dishes
- Preparing Meat Dishes
- Preparing Sandwiches
- Preparing Salads and Salad Dressings
- Preparing Appetizers and Hors d’oeuvres
- Preparing Desserts
Open the course finder to enroll, or create your free account first. The online courses give you a Certificate of Completion — the National Certificate requires the assessment below.
How to get your Cookery NC II certificate
- TrainEnroll at a TESDA-registered training center or school (ask about scholarships), and use the free online courses to study the theory.
- Prepare your requirementsApplication form, Self-Assessment Guide for Cookery NC II, and three colored passport-size photos.
- Book your competency assessmentChoose a TESDA-accredited assessment center that is accredited for Cookery NC II. Expect a fee of around ₱1,907 (sample from one center; confirm before paying).
- Pass and claim your NCIf you are found competent, apply for certification and claim your Cookery NC II National Certificate. It is valid for 5 years.
Full guide to TESDA assessment centers, requirements and fees →
Jobs you can apply for
- Commis / kitchen helper
- Assistant cook
- Cook in a hotel, restaurant or resort
- Cruise-ship galley crew
- Small food business owner (carinderia, catering, food stall)
Planning to cook abroad? Hotel, restaurant and cruise-line recruiters in the Philippines often ask for a TESDA NC in the trade, plus actual kitchen experience. Check each job ad for the exact requirement.
Is Cookery NC II right for you?
- You already cook at home and want to do it professionally
- You can handle heat, long hours and pressure during service
- You want a skill that is in demand in hotels, restaurants and cruise ships
- You dream of opening your own food business
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Cookery NC II course?
It depends on the provider. The TESDA Women’s Center program is about 366 nominal hours (46 days).
Can I study Cookery NC II online?
You can study the theory for free: the TESDA Online Program has 10 Cookery NC II courses, from Fundamentals of Professional Cookery to Preparing Desserts. The NC requires an in-person practical assessment.
How much is the Cookery NC II assessment fee?
One accredited center published ₱1,907. Fees vary by center and change over time, so confirm before paying.
What happens in the Cookery NC II assessment?
You demonstrate the tasks in a kitchen — preparing and presenting dishes — and answer questions from the assessor. Bring proper kitchen attire if the center asks you to.
Is Cookery NC II useful for working abroad?
Many overseas hotel, restaurant and cruise employers ask for a cookery NC plus experience. Requirements depend on the employer and country.
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Sources: TESDA Women’s Center — Cookery NC II · TESDA Online Program · LPU Batangas — assessment fees. Disclaimer: Courses TESDA is an independent guide, not TESDA. Information may contain errors or change without notice — always verify with official sources before making decisions.